Firefighters will now be better equipped to protect lives and properties and also respond to fires and emergencies quickly after the commissioning of the first-ever Port Rescue Fire Truck—the Mercedes-Zetros.
While speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa says over the past decade, Fiji has seen a steady shift of people from rural areas to urban centres.
He says as of 2025, 60.8 percent of our population—over 560,000 people—live in urban areas, and this increase in urbanisation has placed a greater demand on fire and emergency services, requiring more resources, better equipment, and improved response strategies.
Nalumisa says one of the critical issues they face is the strain on water infrastructure, and the rapid growth of commercial and industrial developments has contributed to increased water demand, affecting water pressure in fire hydrants and complicating fire suppression efforts.
He adds the scarcity of fire hydrants, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, further adds to this challenge.
He further says in many instances, firefighters must search for alternative water sources, losing precious minutes that could mean the difference between containment and devastation.
The Minister says recognising the need for more effective firefighting solutions, the NFA Management team identified water scarcity as a top priority and took decisive steps to invest in modern technology to address this critical challenge.
Nalumisa says the Mercedes-Zetros Port Rescue Fire Truck is an investment of $1.5 million, which marks a new era for firefighting in Fiji and the Pacific region.
He says this is not just another fire truck—it is a technological powerhouse designed to operate in the most demanding conditions.
He also says this specialised vehicle is equipped with a submersible system capable of drawing up to 10,000 litres of water per minute from sources up to 5 kilometres away, which ensures a strong and steady water flow, reducing their reliance on traditional hydrants.
The Minister adds whether in urban centres, industrial zones, or remote communities, this truck will provide a reliable water supply, drastically improving their fire response capability.
Nalumisa says its advanced water pump operates at 6,000 litres per minute at 10 bar (145 PSI), and its foam proportioning system features an automatic Around-the-Pump system, making it highly effective in combating both conventional and hazardous material fires.
The Minister says the mast monitor can deliver up to 3,800 litres per minute at 7 bar (100 PSI), providing superior reach and pressure to tackle large-scale fires.
He says in addition to firefighting, this truck is also equipped with emergency rescue capabilities, including a front bumper winch with a 5,440kg capacity and a rescue crane capable of lifting up to 6.8 metric tons.
Nalumisa adds it is designed to withstand high temperatures, salt-laden air, and the tropical conditions of the Pacific, where this vehicle ensures safety, reliability, and ease of operation.
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